Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
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Paul Smith

Summary

I am a dynamic English teacher with over 22 years of experience, adept in educational technology and fostering student engagement by utilizing empathy and social emotional learning strategies to support diverse learners. I am passionate about student success, and have been recognized for mentoring at-risk students and implementing project-based learning to enhance critical thinking for the students' academic journey. My classroom is my stage, and I don't just teach, I perform.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

English Teacher

Johnston County Public Schools
08.2012 - Current


  • Subjects taught: All levels of English II, III, IV (primarily Honors IV), CCRG, Essentials, African American Lit, and Civics Literacy
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
  • Differentiated instruction for diverse learners, providing tailored support for individual student needs and objectives.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, fostering critical thinking and connections between subjects.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with parents through newsletters, conferences, and online platforms to keep them informed of their child''s progress.
  • Implemented project-based learning opportunities to encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in students.
  • Developed strong rapport with students by taking an interest in their lives beyond the classroom, supporting them academically and emotionally.
  • Advisor to the following clubs: GSA, Scribe/Journalism
  • Known for my school spirit and going above and beyond during spirit weeks to help foster a positive vibe within the building.

English Teacher

Durham Public Schools
08.2006 - 06.2012
  • Subjects taught: Standard, Honors, ESL, Hearing Impaired, and Inclusion (English III and English IV), Poetry, African American Literature, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Science Fiction, Mythology, Sports in Film, and Mass Communication.
  • Helped implement the innovative pilot “PM Academy” program to assist low performing students in recovering classes to stay on track and graduate with their cohort.
  • Worked with students in North Carolina Virtual Public School
  • Mentored “At Risk” students after school to help prevent Gang Involvement/Recruitment
  • Worked with JV and Varsity coaches to promote academics and to ensure athletes were on par with NCAA requirements.
  • Participated on the School Wellness Committee and Scholarship Committee
  • Completed the course "The Call for Change" under Dr. June Atkinson.
  • Nominated for and participated in Duke University's Teacher Learning & Collaboration Program.

English Teacher

Martin County Schools
08.2003 - 06.2006
  • Subjects taught: all levels of English III and IV including AP.
  • Worked in one of the few remaining 7-12th grade rural schools left in North Carolina. (It is now a charter school)
  • Worked closely with the community and actively attended meetings on High School Reform and Injunction issues.
  • Actively participated in Grant Writing and Scholarship Committees.
  • To see the differences and needs on such a broad level after going from a small rural school to a large urban school gave me an educational life experience that few could ever hope to achieve.
  • Coached Junior High Basketball and Baseball
  • Helped to develop and implement a new Summer Reading Program.
  • Being in such a small rural school made me solely responsible for Junior and Senior English.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching - Secondary ELA

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
05-2003

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theatre Arts

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
05-2000

Bachelor of Science - Media Performance

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
05-1997

Skills

  • Proficient in facilitating social-emotional learning
  • Educational program development
  • Applying teaching to real-world scenarios
  • Proficient in teamwork dynamics
  • Effective classroom management
  • Proficient in Educational Technology (I became a contact person to help teachers with updates for drivers, software, tech issues, etc)
  • Commitment to student success I will not let a student fail
  • Strong empathy

Interests

  • Sharing travel experiences
  • Gardening
  • Culinary
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Surfing
  • Gym Workouts
  • Fishing
  • Guitar, piano, and singing
  • Native American Relic Hunting

Timeline

English Teacher

Johnston County Public Schools
08.2012 - Current

English Teacher

Durham Public Schools
08.2006 - 06.2012

English Teacher

Martin County Schools
08.2003 - 06.2006

Master of Arts - Teaching - Secondary ELA

East Carolina University

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theatre Arts

East Carolina University

Bachelor of Science - Media Performance

East Carolina University
Paul Smith